Application and role of polyacrylamide in oil extraction

Oil extraction is a highly technical project, which requires to reduce the cost and improve the oil recovery rate as much as possible while guaranteeing the efficiency. In this process, Polyacrylamide (PAM), as a kind of polymer chemical agent, has been widely used in many aspects of the oilfield, and has become a key material for improving the recovery rate, optimizing the effect of water drive and treating wastewater. In this paper, we will introduce in detail the main role and application scenarios of polyacrylamide in oil extraction, and discuss its contribution in the field of environmental protection.

Application in water drive method

In the traditional water drive method, polyacrylamide is used to increase the viscosity of the injected water so as to optimize the distribution and flow of the water, avoiding excessive and uneven water flow. By controlling the injection pressure and flow rate of the water, polyacrylamide helps oilfields achieve higher recovery rates, especially in the development of old oilfields.

Application in fracturing and acidizing process

Polyacrylamide is widely used in oil fracturing and acidizing process. In the process of fracturing, polyacrylamide can improve the viscosity of fracturing fluid and help it to be evenly distributed in the oil formation, thus improving the expansion effect of cracks and enhancing the ability of oil extraction. In the acidizing process, polyacrylamide also plays a certain stabilizing role to ensure the fluidity and reaction effect of the acid.

Application in chemical water injection in oilfield

Polyacrylamide plays an important role in chemical water injection in oilfields by increasing the viscosity of the water, controlling the amount of water injected, and reducing wastage while improving the recovery efficiency of the oilfield. This application is particularly suited to complex oilfields where water injection pressure and flow rate need to be regulated.

Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Protection

Wastewater treatment generated during oil extraction has always been an important part of environmental protection. Polyacrylamide not only helps to remove solid particles from wastewater, but also efficiently removes oil and grease, ensuring that wastewater meets environmental discharge standards. Through the use of polyacrylamide, the oilfield realizes the reuse of wastewater and further reduces the pollution to the environment.